Ins and outs and round five

[Jimmae]

Makes sense them ins and outs... big call McCormick for Fisher.

But I do believe Fisher needs the time to develop.

As for the game, the Eagles have a solid back half, a zingy forward line and a sensational midfield.

If we can curtail their midfield (how I don't know, otherwise I'd be senior coach) and small forwards, then the game is ours. Rucking is even and our talls are better by the most part.

Since Macdougal is such a little threat, might it be worthwhile to consider Norman or Thornton on one of the smaller forwards? I think one of them could take Matera if Fletcher can.

Wirrupunda may be let loose so I hope we play someone pacey enough in the forward line to make him have to play a more close-checking role... Jako could be a worry if Dennis decides to play Whitnall down back on him when he rotates forward.

Keys to winning:
- Midfield shutting down Eagles' ball-winning ability
- Fevola leading to the right space
- Half-backs taking the ball up the guts with certainity in kicking
- Defence concentrating on the man and zoning off once possession is secured
- Whitnall staying forward for the whole bloody game
- The rucks doing a good job with the taps

While that might sound like a long list, it's just playing disciplined footy, with the exception of shutting the Eagles' engine - that's a tall order.

Head: Eagles by 30

Heart: Blues by 12

Tip: Walker, Davies and McCormick to have a huge impact on our ball-winning ability. And I just realised, Bowyer can play on Matera

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

I am a little sad to see Fisher dropped though I thought it a good move two weeks ago. I see value in him chipping in for a goal or two each week and his marking strength is so good that he is capable of pulling something special out on a given day. He does need more game time though.

Pleased with the ins, especially want to see Walker in action, Bowyer's toughness and praying that Davies gets a gig more like his preseason and VFL form this year rather than his dour 5 possessions per game run with roles he had last season. He is too exciting to play a strictly defensive role IMO.